Banded Tussock Moth

 
I know I said I'd have something done on the trailer to show you, but I decided I had to add another step, and so there wasn't time to finish it.

Instead, have the Banded Tussock Moth, Halysidota tessellaris, also called the pale tiger moth. He's saying hello.



Here's the really odd thing. When I unfolded my sheet of fiberglass mat a few days ago to cut off a strip, 5 of these moths flew out. What the heck would they like about fiberglass?

Anyway, I thought they were just white.



Look closely. There are actually pale bands wiggling across the wings. And a definitive characteristic is the two aqua bands you can see on the top of the thorax.



The caterpillars are furry, with long "pencils" of hairs sticking out. I thought I had a picture of one, but can't find it tonight.

A much more interesting moth than I thought at first.

We did not get a lick of rain at my house. They did get rain in Scottville, a mile away. There may be hope for some yet tonight.

See True Blue Gumby II